Every two weeks, Year 7 pupils spend a full day on Learning Through the Outdoors — Myddelton’s introduction to Outdoor and Adventure Education, building confidence, resilience, teamwork, independence and responsibility through the landscapes and heritage of North Wales.
Early sessions include a journey over Penycloddiau, where pupils learn to prepare for a day outdoors and walk effectively as a group, while visits to Crafnant and Geirionydd explore valleys, lakes, woodland and human influence on the landscape.
Climbing and navigation
Introductory climbing and abseiling sessions build rope skills, PPE checks, communication and safe movement. Navigation progresses from map symbols and orientation to route-following and decision-making in the mountains — culminating in a journey in Eryri, which may include an ascent of Crimpiau.
Bushcraft and orienteering
Pupils learn shelter building, fire safety, Kelly Kettles and outdoor cooking, managing equipment responsibly and working safely around fire. Orienteering then builds independent route choice and navigation.
Beyond the outdoors
The curriculum links to geography, history and environmental responsibility — from the Great Orme’s wartime heritage and remembrance, to National Parks and the slate industry’s impact on North Wales. Conservation activities let pupils contribute practically to the environment. Pupils are also introduced to canoeing, building water confidence, paddling skills and safety awareness through tandem teamwork.
The Year 7 camp
The year culminates in a camp showcasing everything pupils have learned: preparing their own kit, helping organise camp, and a night under canvas. A mountain journey and summit, followed by a more advanced abseil, let pupils demonstrate their growing confidence and skill.
Throughout, pupils are expected to arrive prepared, use equipment and PPE correctly, follow instructions and support one another — with activities differentiated so every pupil is appropriately challenged and can see their own progress.
